The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) successfully conducted its second Airport Emergency Full-Scale Simulation at General Santos International Airport (GSIA) on Friday, November 29.
The comprehensive drill simulated two critical aviation scenarios: an act of unlawful interference and an aircraft accident on airport grounds. Airport Manager Jhoel Gavina confirmed a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued two weeks in advance, announcing Runway 17/35 would be closed from 2:00 AM to 1:30 PM.
The exercise began with an urgent alert from the Air Traffic Control Tower about an aircraft experiencing unlawful interference. The simulated flight, originally en route from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila to Francisco Bangoy International Airport (FBIA) in Davao, was rerouted to GSIA.
Key participating agencies included the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Unit (PNP-AVSEU), CAAP’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Service, and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
CAAP Director General Captain Manuel Antonio L. Tamayo emphasized the drill’s significance. “This event reaffirms CAAP’s commitment to safety and security,” he said. “By conducting realistic drills, we ensure personnel and agencies are prepared to respond effectively to real-life emergencies.”
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